Wall Street: New Money Mottos To Live By

Was it really 23 years ago that Gordon Gekko declared greed to be good? He's back in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. In honor, we tapped financier Amanda Clayman for mantras that fit our times. Read, repeat and prosper!

In the sequel to the 1980’s hit, Gecko is out of jail and outdated–but the former stockbroker claws his way back into a global economy on the brink of disaster on the back of his estranger daughter’s (Carey Mulligan) fianceé, played by Shia LaBouf. It’s a fast-paced thriller that will hit close to home for anyone dealing with the effects of the recent recession. Enjoy the flick, than try the tips below to help pad your wallet.

Mantra #1: Mini-moves matter.

Plans for overhauls tend to stall. “In reality, it’s small steps that have the payoff,” Clayman says. “If you increase your savings annually by 1 percent for 16 years, you could quadruple your nest egg.”

Mantra #2: Denial is juvenile.
Many people find money so stressful that they don’t even track their spending. But ignorance is not bliss when it costs you fees, interest and a decent credit score. Stick to a budget with help from Mint.com.

Mantra #3: Live your truth.

“When the balances on your credit cards keep growing, you’re living beyond your means–and in a financial fantasy,” Clayman says. “Switch from buying on credit to saving up for purchases.”